London Broncos confirm departing players

Five Broncos will depart Trailfinders Sports Club at the conclusion of the 2017 season, club officials confirmed on Friday night (22 September).

Matt Garside, Ben Pointer, Mark Offerdahl, Adrian Purtell and Junior Roqica will all be released by London following the final game.

Garside (pictured), a second rower, departs the capital after three seasons with the club, having originally joined from Sheffield Eagles, recruited by then Assistant Coach, Andrew Henderson.

Hooker, Pointer, has recently signed a deal with Newcastle Thunder for 2018, and also leaves after three years with London, having come up through the Academy system, before stepping up to the first team.

USA international, Offerdahl, spent two years with the London Broncos, after joining from Tweed Heads Seagulls in the Queensland Cup in Australia, ahead of the 2016 season.

Purtell joined London from Bradford Bulls in 2017, and departs Great Britain upon conclusion of the season to return to his native Australia, where he will take up the position as coach of his hometown side, Albury Thunder.

Fijian international, Roqica, spent one season with the Broncos, joining from reigning NRL Premiers, Cronulla Sharks, and returns home to Australia ahead of the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

Head coach, Andrew Henderson, said: “I would like to thank all five of the boys for their time and efforts with the London Broncos.

“Each player has contributed to this club both on and off the field, and added value to the team. I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

“Once a Bronco, always a Bronco.”

CEO of the Broncos, Jason Loubser, added: “We thank the boys for all of their time and efforts in London colours, and hope they will always remember their time with the Broncos fondly.”